The Arts & Sciences Council (ASC) meets regularly every academic year, including eleven times during the 2002 to 2003 academic year. The notes from said meetings are found below:
May 6, 2003
Minutes: Arts & Sciences Faculty Meeting
Members present: Ernesto Acevedo Munoz (FILM), Fred Anderson (HIST), Jerry Aronson (FILM), Tony Barker (PHYS) Chair, David Bartlett (PHYS), Anne Bliss (PWR), Peter Boag (HIST), Chris Braider (FRIT), Gordon Brown (MATH), David Budd (GEOL), Bill Byrnes (KAPH), Steve Chan (PSCI), Karen Chin (GEOL/MUSM), Susan Clarke (PSCI), Jeanne Clelland (MATH), Diane Conlin (CLASS & FA), Andy Cowell (FRIT), Jeff Dodge (S&G Record), Barbara Fox (LING), John Gibert (CLASS), Todd Gleeson (Dean, A&S), Elizabeth Guertin (AAC, A&S), Lew Harvey (PSCI), Jeff Hayes (SOCY), Frank Hsiao (ECON), Jim Johnson (FA), Peter Knox (CLAS), Rodger Kram (KAPH), Nancy Mann (PWR), John McIver (PSCI), Vernon Minor (CLHM & FA), Jeff Mitton (EPOB), Dale Mood (KAPH), Joyce Nielsen (SOCY & A&S), Rolf Norgaard (PWR), Leonard Pinto (SOCY), Susan Prince (CLASS), Mike Radelet (SOCY), Gail Ramsberger (SLHS), Rick Rogers (SOCY), Artemi Romanov (GSLL), Rima Salys (GSLL), Heinrich Schwarz (COM), Irina Sokolik (PAOS), Charles Stern (GEOL), Patricia Sullivan (PWR), Michael Tooley (PHIL), William West (ENG), Ken Wright (KAPH)
Members absent: Robert Boswell (MCDB), Luc Bovens (PHIL), Nan Boyd (WMST), Cynthia Carey (EPOB), Victoria Cass (EALC), Scott Chamberlin (FA), Robert Craig (COM), Ken Foote (GEOG), Zygmunt Frajzyngier (LING), Paul Gordon (CLHM), Julien Keith (MATH), Terry Kleeman (RLST), Christian Kopff (HONR), Dennis McGilvray (ANTH), Horst Mewes (PSCI), Angel Nieves (Eth. Studies), Jim Palmer (FARR), Elizabeth Robertson (ENG), Diane Sieber (SPAN), Ted Stark (THDN)
The Chair opened the meeting at 1:00 PM and reported on the activities of the past semester. He commented that due to the ongoing budget cuts it has been a difficult semester. Faculty governance working in consultation with the Dean has proven valuable in making difficult decisions concerning cuts.
The Chair reported on the highlights of the semester: The A&S faculty voted, by mail ballot, in favor of the resolution to request consultation regarding the Lester Library closure. The Planning Committee presented the ASC with a resolution concerning the Faculty Computer Purchase Program. The resolution aims to decentralize the FCPP and provide faculty with more choices; ASC members voted unanimously to adopt the resolution.
The Chair then introduced Gail Ramsberger (SLHS), Chair of the Budget Committee, as well as Chair-elect of the ASC for AY 2003-2004. Gail reported that the Budget Committee developed a new algorithm to allocate operating budgets to the various departments. The committee also worked with the Dean to determine the allocation of the faculty raise pool to various needs including regular merit increases, promotions, special merit and retention cases. Gail expressed her appreciation to the committee members for their time and dedication to faculty governance.
Dennis McGilvray (ANTH), Chair of the Curriculum Committee, was not able to attend the meeting and Rolf Norgaard (PWR) reported on the committee’s activities on his behalf. He reported that the committee presented the ASC with a motion permitting students to declare two minors, replacing the current limit of one minor. The ASC unanimously supported this motion. The Curriculum Committee has approved a procedure for limiting enrollment in certain majors, such as Communications, that are overcrowded. In addition, the committee is working on guidelines for distance-learning degrees.
Irina Sokolik (PAOS), Chair of the Diversity Committee, reported that the committee is involved in a survey of current procedures and practices on recruitment, promotion, and retention of faculty of color and women faculty. Activities of the last semester included a Spring Forum, entitled, “Free Thinking: Are there taboos on religion, free speech, and free-thinking in the classroom and on campus?” Irina expressed her appreciation for two members of the committee who had demonstrated exceptional dedication: Anne Bliss (PRW) and Ann Schmiesing (GSLL).
David Budd (GEOL), Chair of the Grievance Committee, reported that the committee had handled two grievance cases in the fall. The committee made recommendations to the Dean and the final decisions in both cases were in favor of the grievants.
Chris Braider (FRIT), Chair of the Personnel Committee, commented that the work accomplished by its members has been remarkable and that he has been impressed by the dedication and humanity experienced during the last 3 years. During the semester, 61 cases have been handled, including 23 comprehensive reviews, 24 promotion and tenure cases, and 14 promotion-to-full-professor cases. He commented that not all departments apply the same guidelines and standards in cases such as early promotion and tenure. The committee will discuss this subject in the future. The committee also agreed unanimously to exclude unsigned letters from dossiers.
Terry Kleeman (RLST), Chair of the Planning Committee, was not able to attend the meeting. Lew Harvey (PSYC) and Tony Barker (PHYS), Chair of the ASC, reported on the activities of the Planning Committee on his behalf. The committee has worked with ITS to clarify the FCPP, which has been put on hold. A start up for the new year is planned when the program will be on a 4-year cycle, lengthened from the previous 3-year cycle. The resolution approved by the ASC provides faculty with more choices, including purchasing upgrades to existing systems. The Pay for Printing Plan has been approved, but it may place a significant additional burden on some departments.
The Chair then thanked the administrator of the ASC, Lucy Nowak, for her efforts and the dedication she has shown in supporting the work of the Council.
Dean Todd Gleeson gave an update on the budget cuts and mentioned that Governor Owens has vetoed the tuition increases proposed in the Long Bill and directed the Colorado Commission on Higher Education to come up with a new tuition plan by June 1. Until final tuition rates are determined, the extent of required budget reductions are unknown. The budget cuts that the Dean has proposed include the elimination of 20 faculty lines, cuts in PWR which will result in fewer lecturers and instructors, and an increase in class size for PWR sections from 15 to 18. The Advising Center will also experience cuts and a number of centers will be closed. He further proposed the reduction of the classified staff budget by $250,000, requiring a reduction of about five staff positions. Merit increases for faculty and professional-exempt staff will be delayed until January of 2004, and may be delayed until March or even June; worse, classified staff will not receive any raise this year.
A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes of the previous meeting of the Arts and Sciences faculty, held on December 12, 2002. The motion was approved.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Gail Ramsberger (SLHS), Chair-elect of the ASC, expressed her appreciation to ASC Chair Tony Barker (PHYS) for his efforts and demonstrated commitment to faculty governance during the last 2 years.
The meeting adjourned by 2:30 and was followed by a reception.
April 24, 2003
Minutes: Art & Sciences Council Meeting
Members present: Tony Barker (PHYS) Chair, ASC, Luc Bovens (PHIL), Nan Boyd (WMST), Chris Braider (FRIT/CLHM), Scott Chamberlin (FA), Nicole Ciliberti (Honor Code Chairperson) Robert Craig (COM), Jeff Dodge (S&G Record) Christian Gardner-Wood (Honor Code Adjudication Director), John Gibert (CLAS), Todd Gleeson (Dean, A&S), Lew Harvey (PSYC), Frank Hsiao (ECON), Christian Kopff (HONR), Rodger Kram (KAPH), Rolf Norgaard (PWR), Leonard Pinto (SOCY), Gail Ramsberger (SLHS), Elizabeth Robertson (ENG), Rima Salys (GSLL), Irina Sokolik (PAOS), Ronald Stump (VC Student Affairs)
Members absent: Ernesto Acevedo-Munoz (FILM), Peter Boag (HIST), Robert Boswell (MCDB), David Budd (GEOL), Cynthia Carey (EPOB), Victoria Cass (EALC), Ken Foote (GEOG), Zygmunt Frajzyngier (LING), Keith Julien (APPM), Terry Kleeman (RLST), Dennis McGilvray (ANTH), Horst Mewes (PSCI), Angel Nieves (Ethn. Studies), Jim Palmer (FARR), Diane Sieber (SPAN), Ted Stark (THDN)
The Chair called the meeting to order at 3:30 PM.
A motion was made and seconded to approve the Minutes of March 13 ASC meeting. The motion was approved unanimously.
The Chair reported that the Board of Regents gave preliminary approval for salary increase pools of up to 1.9% for faculty and professional exempt employees. This increase is contingent upon the Governor’s approval of the tuition increase authorization currently contained in the state Appropriations Bill. In addition to the merit pool of 1.9%, there may be an additional 1% funding for special merit increases, which would come from the additional 5 percent Quality for Colorado tuition increase, if that is approved by the governor. These increases will likely be delayed until January of 2004, or even later.
Dean Gleeson commented on the current budget situation. The College is presently developing raise recommendations assuming the availability of a merit raise pool of 1.9%. The additional 1% is to be funded by the Quality for Colorado plan. It is unclear of how much of that pool will be available for special merit, since the 1% is supposed to fund all retention and promotion raises, with whatever is left over being available for special merit. There will be no 2X exercise this year.
The College is proposing budget cuts in the following general areas: $1.8 million will be cut from the small classroom experience; 20 faculty lines will be permanently cut amounting to a total of $1.2 million; the Program in Writing and Rhetoric, Residential Academic Programs, and Academic Advising will also experience significant cuts. The English as a Second Language classes will transfer to Continuing Education. The classified staff budget will be reduced by $250,000, which translates to about 5 classified staff positions to be eliminated. These positions have not yet been identified. If cuts are still deeper than anticipated, then additional faculty lines may have to be cut.
Most of the remainder of the meeting was devoted to a discussion of amendments proposed by the Honor Council to the recently adopted Honor Code Constitution. A number of changes were proposed which were procedural in nature, and not of concern to the ASC. However, some significant changes were proposed to the section of the Honor Code Constitution describing Academic Sanctions, and this brought the matter to the attention of the ASC. The changes concern how academic sanctions may be imposed in a case where a student is accused of an Honor Code violation by a faculty member, and the student denies the allegation. In the current Honor Code Constitution, the faculty member has two options: she may refer the matter to an Honor Code Hearing Panel for adjudication, and await its decision before imposing any academic sanctions, or she may immediately impose academic sanctions. The proposed revision would eliminate the second option and require all faculty members to refer such cases to an Honor Code Hearing Panel.
Vigorous discussion ensued over whether this represented a clarification, as argued by Vice Chancellor Ron Stump and the Honor Council representatives, or an improper intrusion into faculty grading prerogatives, as argued by the Chair. Opinion on the issue among ASC members present was divided. The Chair remarked that a fall Arts and Sciences faculty vote would in any event be necessary to modify the section of the Honor Constitution regarding Academic Sanctions. The Honor Council representatives indicated that they would likely withdraw the controversial proposed change rather than initiate such an onerous procedure.
On behalf of Dennis McGilvray (ANTH), Chair of the Curriculum Committee, Rolf Norgaard (PWR), proposed a request from the Student Government whether the Curriculum Committee has the authority to add an ex-officio non-voting undergraduate student member. The members present agreed instead to informally invite a student as a guest.
There were two nominees for the position of ASC Chair for the 2003-2004 academic year, Chris Braider (FRIT) and Gail Ramsberger (SLHS). Both made brief presentation regarding their qualifications for the position. On an 8 to 7 vote, with the Chair not voting, Prof. Ramsberger was elected to be 2003-2004 ASC Chair. Prof. Braider was elected Parliamentarian of the Council by acclamation. The Chair thanked both candidates for their willingness to run for the position, and thanked all the members present for their demonstrated commitment to faculty governance in the College.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:00 PM.
March 13, 2003
Minutes: Arts & Sciences Council Meeting
Members present: Ernesto Acevedo Munoz (FILM), Tony Barker (PHYS) Chair, Peter Boag (HIST), Luc Bovens (PHIL), Chris Braider (FRIT/CLHM), David Budd (GEOL), Bob Craig (COM), Jeff Dodge (S&G Record), Zygmunt Frajzyngier (LING), John Gibert (CLAS), Lew Harvey (PSYC), Frank Hsiao (ECON), Terry Kleeman (RLST), Christian Kopff (HONR), Rodger Kram (KAPH), Dennis McGilvray (ANTH), Rolf Norgaard (PWR), Leonard Pinto (SOCY), Gail Ramsberger (SLHS), Rima Salys (GLSS), Irina Sokolik (PAOS)
Members absent: Robert Boswell (MCDB), Nan Boyd (WMST), Cynthia Carey (EPOB), Victoria Cass (EALC), Scott Chamberlin (FA), Ken Foote (GEOG), Todd Gleeson (Dean, A&S), Keith Julien (APPM), Horst Mewes (PSCI), Angel Nieves (Ethn. Studies), Jim Palmer (FARR), Elizabeth Robertson (ENG), Diane Sieber (SPAN), Ted Stark (THDN)
The Chair called the meeting to order at 3:30.
A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes of Feb 20th meeting. The motion was approved.
The Chair commented that the resolution to request consultation regarding the Lester Library closure was sent to the ASC faculty by a mail ballot. He reported on the result of the mail ballot: 254 faculty members returned their vote, 217 (85.4%) members were in favor of the resolution and 37 (14.6%) were against the motion. The Chair will inform Dean Gleeson, Dean Williams and Provost DiStefano of the result. Discussions are still ongoing to keep the library open.
The Chair then reported on the budget cuts and remarked that the JBC has proposed that the state higher education budget be cut by $100 million for the next fiscal year. CU’s portion of the cut would be $42.3 million for the system, or about $17 million for the Boulder campus. After such a cut, the proportion of state funding in UCB’s total budget would be roughly 9.6%, below the 10% threshold needed to become an enterprise under the TABOR amendment. A bill currently under consideration in the legislature would authorize institutions of higher ed to become enterprises, and would specify what additional flexibility in program or tuition such institutions would gain as a result. At present, the entire CU system would not qualify for enterprise status, but the Boulder campus could seek enterprise status first, and later be included within a system-wide enterprise. Also still under active consideration by the legislature are Higher Education Opportunity Stipends (a.k.a. higher-ed vouchers). If the HEOS legislation passes, state block grants to colleges and universities would be replaced by HEOS given individually to students. The current amount of the proposed HEOS is $3200 per undergraduate and $6400 per graduate student. It is believed that the HEOS system would be revenue-neutral for the Boulder campus, but that it would be good because it would make it difficult for the legislature or the CCHE to single out UC Boulder for differential cuts in the future.
Since Dean Todd Gleeson was out of town at the time of the meeting, the Chair reported on his behalf that the faculty had agreed to reorganize the departments of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology and Environmental, Population, and Organismic Biology into the departments of Integrative Physiology and Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Nine current EPOB faculty will transfer to KAPH as part of the reorganization. Another upcoming change is that the Fine Arts Department will be renamed the Department of Art and Art History.
The Committee on Privilege and Tenure was briefly discussed; but due the complexity of the issue, the council agreed to postpone the discussion of this matter to the fall. The commencement schedule was then discussed. For this Spring, the time of the ceremony has been moved up from 9:00 AM to 8:00 AM, in an effort to curtail the amount of drinking taking place on the hill before commencement. This change has interfered with some departmental-level commencement ceremonies. The members were skeptical regarding the chances of this change leading to the desired result of a more sober assembly, and when a straw poll was taken, the vote was 19-1 in favor of returning to the traditional 9:00 AM time.
Terry Kleeman (RLST), Chair of the Planning Committee, reported on the survey that he conducted regarding Smart Classroom Demands. All of the 10 departments that responded to the survey indicated that they need more smart classrooms. Terry will forward the result to ITS and Bobby Schnabel, CIO and Associate VC for Academic Computing Technology. Terry further reported on the CU Boulder Planning Projects and commented on the projects that are in the design phase but are presently stalled. The major projects are the Business School, the Law School, and the ATLAS Center. It has been decided that the appropriate site for the construction of a Utility Plant is northeast of the Coors Event Center.
Irina Sokolik (PAOS), Chair of the Committee of Academic Community and Diversity, reported that she has organized a Faculty Diversity Club Meeting, called ‘Sharing Stories of Success’ to be held on Wednesday, March 19, at 4:00 PM in the University Club. On this occasion, accomplished women faculty will share their secrets, strategies and ideas on how to succeed. In addition, the Committee has scheduled a Spring Forum, entitled ‘Free Thinking: Are there taboos on religion, free speech, and free-thinking in the classroom and on campus?’ This forum is scheduled for April 2, at 3:00 PM in Old Main Chapel. Irina mentioned two women faculty that have been exceptionally active in the Diversity Committee: Anne Bliss (PRW) and Ann Schmiesing (GLSS). In appreciation of their exceptional efforts, the Chair suggested that they be recognized at the upcoming A&S Faculty meeting.
Christian Kopff (HONR) reported that the Foreign Language Coordinators are recommending a change of the Fall Break schedule and have submitted 2 options: 1.) To cut back fall break to a 3-day weekend, to move it to a later time in the semester, and restore one reading day before finals or 2.) retain the 4-day fall break but move it much later in the semester. The Chair remarked that Dean Gleeson considers the fall break disruptive and would prefer a full week of vacation time at Thanksgiving. Since discussions of this topic could not be completed at this meeting, the Chair suggested that Christian contact Ron Stump, VC to find out what can be done and possibly form a committee to consider the issue in the Fall.
The Chair reported that the Executive Committee had created an ad hoc committee to advise the Dean on activities regarding the upcoming budget cuts and future cuts that may be required if state revenues continue to decline. The proposed members of the ASC Ad Hoc Advisory Committee are:
- Gail Ramsberger (SLHS), Chair Budget Com, and Chair of Ad Hoc Advisory Com
- Tony Barker (PHYS), ASC Chair
- David Budd (GEOL), Chair of Grievance Com
- John Cumalat (PHYS), Budget Com
- Ken Foote (GEOG), Budget Com
- Zygmunt Frajzyngier (LING), Budget Com
- Terry Kleeman (RLST), Chair Planning Com
- Russ Monson (EPOB), Budget Com
- At the time of the meeting, two additional members agreed to serve, in order to widen the representation of the various Divisions of the college on this committee:
- Chris Braider (FRIT), Chair Personnel Com
- Dennis McGilvray (ANTH), Chair Curriculum Com
A vote was taken and all 20 members were in favor of the proposed membership.
The Chair reminded those members whose term ends in May of this year that they should inform their respective Department Chairs that a new member needs to be elected, or that the present member can be re-elected for another 3-year term. It is important that the election is completed before April 24th.
The Chair also announced that the election of a new ASC Chair has been scheduled for the April 24th meeting. The Chair asked that nominations be sent to him by email. The Chair will collect the names for a secret ballot, if necessary. The deadline to submit nominations is April 15th.
The meeting adjourned at 5:00 PM.
February 20, 2003
Minutes: Arts & Sciences Council Meeting
Members present: Ernesto Acevedo-Munoz (FILM), Tony Barker (PHYS) Chair, Peter Boag (HIST), Phil Bovens (PHIL), Nan Alamilla Boyd (WMST), Chris Braider (FRIT/CLHM), Scott Chamberlin (FA), Robert Craig (COM), Jeff Dodge (S&G Record), Zygmunt Frajzyngier (LING), John Gibert (CLAS), Frank Hsiao (ECON), Bradley Jones (ASSG Exec), Keith Julien (APPM) Terry Kleeman (RLST), Christian Kopff (HONR), Rodger Kram (KAPH), Dennis McGilvray (ANTH), Rolf Norgaard (PWR), Leonard Pinto (SOCY), Gail Ramsberger (SLHS), Rima Salys (GSLL), Ted Snow (APS), Ted Stark (THDN)
Members absent: Robert Boswell (MCDB), David Budd (GEOL), Cindy Carey (EPOB), Victoria Cass (EALC), Ken Foote (GEOG), Todd Gleeson (Dean, A&S), Lew Harvey (PSYC), Horst Mewes (PSCI), Angel Nieves (Ethn. Studies), Jim Palmer (FARR), Elizabeth Robertson (ENG), Diane Sieber (SPAN), Irina Sokolik (PAOS)
The Chair called the meeting to order at 3:30 PM.
A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes of January 30th meeting. The motion was approved.
Dennis McGilvray (ANTH), Chair of the Curriculum Committee, presented the ASC with a motion from the Curriculum Committee, which would permit students to declare two minors, replacing the current limit of one minor. One of the major concerns mentioned was that the SIS could only handle one minor and that adopting the motion would greatly increase the workload of the advising staff. Dennis responded that relatively few students would declare two minors, so that the additional record keeping could easily be handled outside of SIS, on paper. Others on the Council argued that this would be burdensome. Lew Harvey (PSYC) suggested that the ASC approve the motion on its merit and not let technical issues such as the SIS system interfere. All 21 members present voted in favor of the motion. The motion reads as follows:
Motion from A&S Curriculum Committee permitting students to declare Two Minors
Prompted by a request from a faculty member in Biology, the Curriculum Committee has unanimously approved a motion to allow undergraduates in the College of Arts and Sciences to declare a maximum of two minors, replacing the current limit of one minor. To become effective, this change in policy would have to be ratified by the ASC. Debate on this issue in the Curriculum Committee was lengthy, wide-ranging, and animated. Here are the major objections that were raised and debated:
Objection: A second minor might require only one additional course (e.g. a MCDB major wishing to add a second minor in CHEM), in which case it would not truly broaden the student’s education.
Rebuttal: The same is sometimes true with the existing single minor, and in any case having credentials in closely related fields may help a student get into a highly competitive graduate program.
Objection: Additional minors may generate unwanted enrollment pressures in some departments.
Rebuttal: Departments can always increase their minor requirements to address this problem.
Objection: The SIS system can handle only one minor, so advising staff will have extra record-keeping work.
Rebuttal: Relatively few students will declare two minors, and the advising staff can handle it.
Objection: The existing minor policy is working fine, so don’t tinker with it.
Rebuttal: Students can already earn two minors in two different Colleges (e.g., Business and A&S). If they have done all the work for two minors within A&S they should be given credit for it.
Objection: Double minors will only enhance the students’ resumes.
Rebuttal: Enhancing one’s resume is a worthwhile goal, especially these days.
Terry Kleeman (RLST), Chair of the Planning Committee, reported on the input he has received from various departments regarding smart classroom scheduling. Terry then presented the council with a proposed resolution concerning the Faculty Computer Purchase Program (FCPP). The resolution aims to decentralize the FCPP and provide faculty with more choices, including purchasing upgrades to existing systems. Following discussion, the question was called, and the assembled members voted unanimously to adopt the resolution, the text of which follows:
Proposed Resolution on FCPP
WHEREAS access to appropriate computer technology is vital to our responsibilities as scholars and educators and
WHEREAS the Faculty Computer Purchase Program, the sole source of funding for many faculty to obtain these tools so vital to our jobs, has recently been halted for one year, thereby delaying the replacement of outdated systems, and
WHEREAS ITS has taken the opportunity of this pause to request input into the reshaping of that Program,
THEREFORE be it resolved that the ASC strongly urges Information Technology Services to adopt the following policies regarding the Faculty Computer Purchase Program:
- First, that purchasing be decentralized and handled through the departments on a model similar to the current $1000 research accounts, so that in the year you are eligible for the FCPP, $1200 would be deposited in the account, to be used at the faculty member’s discretion. Unused funds could be rolled forward from year to year. Eliminating permanently the practice of penalizing users one-third of the normal level of support for not purchasing one of the approved systems within the FCPP will promote trust between ITS and the faculty and decentralizing purchasing will eliminate one layer of bureaucracy within ITS, permitting scarce resources to be reallocated.
- Second, that ITS should seek to maximize choice within the program by offering, in addition to the small number of suggested system configurations from one manufacturer that have been the norm, the option of purchasing with their FCPP funds all or part of a computer, including hardware, software, and peripherals, from any state-approved vendor as long as the items meet a set of minimum standards to be determined in consultation with the faculty;
- Third, in the absence of any compelling evidence that supporting more than one brand of computer actually increases support costs, that ITS should support all brands and vendors that meet the aforementioned minimum standards;
- Fourth, that if ITS can provide evidence of significant increased support costs for off-list hardware, a separate stream of users should be identified who are willing to forego ITS support in return for the freedom to purchase with FCPP funds the hardware and software that best suits their needs;
The next item of business was a discussion of the Pilot Course Forgiveness Policy implemented on the Boulder campus about two years ago. Ted Snow (APS), Chair of the BFA Committee on Academic Affairs, commented on a motion concerning the Course Forgiveness policy which was drafted by his BFA committee, and recently adopted by the full BFA. The motion recommends several refinements to the policy, including a prohibition on using the Policy to retake courses in which a bad grade was due to an Honor Code violation, and a limitation of retakes under the policy to two courses (and one for graduate students). With these and other changes, the BFA resolution recommends making the Pilot Policy permanent. This will require approval by the EPUS Committee of the Faculty Council.
Christian Kopff (HONR) noted that he does not support the BFA motion and instead presented the council with an alternative Motion recommending the termination of the Course Forgiveness Policy, as follows:
ASC Motion: Course Forgiveness
WHEREAS: a nuanced and effective process already exists for case-by-case course forgiveness by appeal to the Dean’s office;
WHEREAS: the CU Administration’s Course Forgiveness policy contributes to, albeit in a small way, and in no way alleviates Grade Inflation, a serious academic problem at CU and at other select colleges and universities and demoralizing to good students;
WHEREAS: the student representatives to the ASC have expressed serious reservations about Course Forgiveness;
WHEREAS: the institution of Course Forgiveness sets a bad precedent of seeming to allow administrative changes to grades given by the faculty;
WHEREAS: Course Forgiveness misrepresents the student’s academic career, changes the meaning of the cumulative GPA and undermines the credibility of the CU transcript;
BE IT RESOLVED:
The University of Colorado shall abandon the practice of Course Forgiveness.
Christian Kopff pointed out that the BFA motion in support of making the Policy permanent was barely approved by a vote of 11 to 10. Furthermore, Christian said that many students oppose the Policy. He also asserted that it undermines the value of a CU degree and the credibility of a CU GPA.
Considerable debate followed on the merits of the Course Forgiveness Policy. The Chair noted that the Executive Committee had prepared a motion nearly identical to the one adopted by the BFA, which supports making the Policy permanent. The Executive Committee motion follows:
Motion regarding Course Forgiveness
Whereas: Course Forgiveness offers reasonable and helpful recourse for students at CU to re-take selected classes and replace poor grades with better ones;
Whereas: Course Forgiveness has been strongly advocated by the student government at CU and by the CU Boulder administration;
Whereas: Many peer institutions have established Course Forgiveness policies;
Whereas: CU’s pilot program for Course Forgiveness has largely achieved its stated goals; and
Whereas: The number of students re-taking classes at CU Boulder under Course Forgiveness has been extremely small during the pilot program.
Be it resolved:
The University of Colorado should make Course Forgiveness a permanent policy, with the following restrictions:
- An undergraduate student may use Course Forgiveness for no more than two courses during his or her tenure as a CU student, and a graduate student may use Course Forgiveness for no more than one course;
- Undergraduate students may apply Course Forgiveness only to courses in which the initial grade was D+ or lower, while graduate students may apply Course Forgiveness only to courses in which the initial grade was C+ or lower;
- Students retaking classes under Course Forgiveness must declare their intention of applying Course Forgiveness by the last date of the “Add” period at the beginning of the semester in which they are retaking the course;
- Once a student has declared his or her intention to use Course Forgiveness in a specific course, that decision is irrevocable;
- Course Forgiveness shall not be allowed for any course where the student either admitted to or was found guilty of violation of the CU-Boulder Honor Code.
The Chair asked the members to vote first on the Executive Committee motion. If it passed, the competing motion would be tabled. This was agreeable to all the members, and a vote was called on the Executive Committee motion.
The result was that 16 members were in favor of the motion and 5 opposed the motion. The motion was therefore passed, and Christian Kopff’s competing motion was tabled.
Gail Ramsberger (SLHS), Chair of the Budget Committee, informed the Council that the ASC Budget Committee had agreed on a new, simplified, operating budget algorithm for units in Arts and Sciences. The new algorithm will be used to set operating budgets for next year, and to impose an overall cut of $ 58,000 in these budgets. The new algorithm is primarily based on faculty/staff size and student credit hours generated by the unit in question.
The meeting adjourned at 5:05 PM.
January 30, 2003
Minutes: ASC Council Meeting
Members present: Tony Barker (PHYS) Chair, Peter Boag (HIST), Luc Bovens (PHIL), Nan Boyd (WMST), Chris Braider (FRIT/CLHM), David Budd (GEOL), Scott Chamberlin (FA), Robert Craig (COMM), Zygmunt Frajzyngier (LING), Lew Harvey (PSYC), Frank Hsiao (ECON), Bradley Jones (ASSG Exec), Keith Julien (APPM), Terry Kleeman (RLST), Christian Kopff (HONR), Dennis McGilvray (ANTH), Rolf Norgaard (PWR), Gail Ramsberger (SLHS)
Members absent: Ernesto Acevedo Munoz (FILM), Robert Boswell (MCDB), Cindy Carey (EPOB), Victoria Cass (EALC), Ken Foote (GEOG), John Gibert (CLAS), Todd Gleeson (Dean, A&S), Paul Gordon (CLHM), Rodger Kram (KAPH), Horst Mewes (PSCI), Angel Nieves (Ethn. Studies), Jim Palmer (FARR), Leonard Pinto (SOCY), Elizabeth Robertson (ENG), Artemi Romanov (GSLL), Diane Sieber (SPAN), Irina Sokolik (PAOS), Ted Stark (THDN)
The Chair called the meeting to order at 3:30 PM.
A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes of the November 21st meeting. The motion was approved unanimously.
The Chair reported that the A&S faculty, at their December 12, 2002 meeting, discussed a resolution to request consultation regarding the Lester Library closure. Since there was insufficient attendance at that meeting to constitute a quorum, the resolution could not be voted upon at the meeting. However, those in attendance voted to send the resolution to a mail ballot, which will be conducted in February. Since that time, Dean of Libraries Jim Williams has met with members of the Physics department. The Chair reported that “the lively exchange of views at the meeting allowed the Dean to become more fully apprised of the opposition to the move and there will be an effort to keep the library open.”
The Chair reported that he has been appointed as Associate Vice Chancellor for Research and had expressed his concern regarding the potential for conflicts of interest to the Executive Committee. The committee agreed that Prof. Barker shall continue as Chair of the ASC for the remainder of his term, but also recommended that Gail Ramsberger, Chair of the Budget Committee, be appointed to handle any matter in which there is a potential conflict. All members present were in favor of following this recommendation of the Executive Committee.
The Chair further reported on a discussion held with the Dean regarding the budget. The university will likely have to face still more serious cuts in its state support. The State Government will probably have to reduce its expenditures by a minimum of $400 million next year, just to cover the costs of accounting gimmicks being used to help ease this year’s cuts, including a one-day payday shift from June 30 to July 1, and a delay in paying state tax refunds to certain taxpayers. Next year’s cuts could well be larger than the 12% cuts faced this year. Some of the possible cuts may be offset by a substantial tuition increase; university lobbyists and administrators are working toward this goal.
The Chair presented a recommendation made by the Executive Committee to create an ad hoc committee to advise the Dean regarding what programs and activities of the College should be cut to meet next year’s budget reductions. The Dean is in favor of this recommendation and asked that the members of the Ad Hoc Committee on college budget cuts be selected from among the members of the ASC Budget and Executive committees. The Ad Hoc committee would necessarily meet during the summer months. All members present agreed that the Chair and Executive Committee should move forward to put this committee together, in consultation with Dean Gleeson. The members chosen will be announced at a future meeting for ratification by the Council.
Dennis McGilvray (ANTH), Chair of the Curriculum committee, reminded the Council that last semester a policy was approved to limit enrollment in certain majors that are overcrowded. A proposal to impose such limitations was submitted by the Communications Department, and has been approved by the Curriculum Committee. The committee is also presently preparing guidelines for distance-learning degrees.
Terry Kleeman (RLST), Chair of the Planning committee, reported that at a recent IT Council Meeting that the subject of unfulfilled demand for smart classrooms was discussed. Terry will ask for responses from various departments by email to find out what their needs in this area are. ITS is setting up a committee to study issues relating to scheduling technology-enhanced class room facilities and has requested ASC representation; overwhelmed with civic-mindedness, Luc Bovens (PHIL) kindly volunteered to serve in this capacity.
Christian Kopff (HONR) reported on the concerns of some faculty in language departments regarding the scheduling of Fall Break. They believe that Fall Break is too early and would like to have it rescheduled for the last two weekends of October instead of the first two. Furthermore, Fall Break has unfortunately eliminated the two reading days that used to fall at the end of the semester. The foreign language faculty would like to restore the reading days and to move the break to the end of October. Some faculty suggested having additional days off during the Thanksgiving week instead. ASSG Executive Brad Jones remarked that he considers the Fall Break a waste of time. The Chair noted that many faculty in the Physics Department oppose the fall break because the department and students need the two reading days that were eliminated. It was suggested that the interested language department faculty formulate a petition and present it to the ASC in due course for consideration.
Christian Kopff also reported on the status of the Course Forgiveness Pilot Program and remarked that the program seems to be on “auto-pilot,” since it has been renewed several times as a Pilot Program. The Course Forgiveness program allows students with a grade of D+ or lower to retake a class and to have only the second grade count in the university’s GPA calculation. Both grades appear on the transcript. The Chair remarked that there are only a few courses in which competition for slots is so tight that upper division students retaking a class under this program might displace lower division students. He further commented that about 60% of all courses that are retaken fall under the auspices of the Course Forgiveness program. Council members were invited to review voluminous statistical data received from Barb Schneider regarding the Pilot Program.
In December of last year the BFA voted and narrowly approved a motion endorsing a permanent course forgiveness policy. ASC members agreed to discuss and vote at their next meeting on a motion similar to the one approved by the BFA.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:00 PM.
December 12, 2002
Minutes: A&S Faculty Meeting
Members present: Ernesto Acevedo-Munoz (FILM), Tony Barker (PHYS) Chair, Paul Beale (PHYS), Elizabeth Bloomfield (FRIT), Peter Boag (HIST), Chris Braider (FRIT), Cindy Carey (EPOB), John Cary (PHYS), Noel Clark (PHYS), Cathy Comstock (FARR), Andy Cowell (FRIT), Bob Craig (COM), John Cumalat (PHYS), Senarth de Alwis (PHYS), Jeff Dodge (S&G Record), Mark Dubin (MCDB), Michael Dubson (PHYS), Homer Ellis (MATH), Carla Farsi (MATH), John Gibert (CLAS), Todd Gleeson (Dean, A&S), Chris Greene (PHYS), Karl Gustafson (MATH), Anna Hasenfratz (PHYS), Murray Holland (PHYS), Mihaly Horanyi (PHYS), Frank Hsiao (ECON), Jim Johnson (FA), Keith Julien (APPM), Terry Kleeman (RLST), Rodger Kram (KAPH), Anatoli Levchin (PHYS), Suzanne Magnanini (FRIT), K. T. Mahanthappa (PHYS), John Martin (FARR), Cecile Matthey (FRIT), Margaret Murnane (PHYS), Judith Packer (MATH), Jim Palmer (FARR), Steven Pollock (PHYS), Mike Preston (ENG), John Price (PHYS), Leon Radzihofsky (PHYS), Gail Ramsberger (SLHS), Patricia Rankin (PHYS), Chuck Rogers (PHYS), Artemi Romanov (GSLL), Irina Sokolik (PAOS), John Wahr (PHYS), Christine Yoshinaga-Itano (SLSS), Shijie Zhong (PHYS)
Members absent: Robert Boswell (MCDB), Luc Bovens (PHIL), Nan Boyd (WMST), David Budd (GEOL), Victoria Cass (EALC), Scott Chamberlin (FA), Ken Foote (GEOG), Zygmunt Frajzyngier (LING), Lewis Harvey (PSYC), Christian Kopff (HONR), Dennis McGilvray (ANTH), Horst Mewes (PSCI), Angel Nieves (Eth. Studies), Rolf Norgaard (PWR), Leonard Pinto (SOCY), Elizabeth Robertson (ENG), Diane Sieber (SPAN), Ted Stark (THDN)
A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes of the Meeting of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences on April 18, 2002.
Dean Todd Gleeson reported on the College proposal for making budget cuts. He has submitted a list to the Provost with his recommendations to meet the required $1.74 million in permanent cuts for FY02-03. The Dean has recommended that 20 faculty searches planned for next year be cancelled, with the lines remaining vacant. He is also recommending other cuts such as reducing operating budgets, and closing a number of small academic centers. The Dean further commented that the state economy is growing slowly and the state tax revenue is lower than anticipated. There may be additional cuts next year.
The Chair remarked that the principal item on the agenda was a resolution regarding the proposed closure of the Oliver C. Lester Library of Mathematics and Physics. He commented that the library has been open since 1972, and that it accounts for about 5% of the total Boulder campus library circulation. Over 1000 students have signed a petition opposing its closure, and many faculty believe that there was insufficient opportunity for both faculty and student input during the decision-making process that resulted in the recommendation by Dean Williams that the Lester Library be closed. The Chair then presented the following resolution to the faculty:
Request for Consultation Regarding Lester Library Closure
WHEREAS, library facilities on the Boulder campus are central to the research and scholarly work of the Arts and Sciences faculty; and
WHEREAS, the Oliver C. Lester Library of Mathematics and Physics is an important part of the University Library, accounting for some 5% of all circulation on the Boulder campus; and
WHEREAS, the Lester Library is extensively used by both undergraduate and graduate students, many of whom have signed a petition opposing its closure; and
WHEREAS, affected faculty in the College of Arts and Sciences have not been provided with an opportunity to contribute in a meaningful way to the decision to close the Lester Library;
THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED
THAT the Faculty of the College of Arts and Sciences respectfully request, in the spirit of shared governance, that the Chancellor and Provost postpone any decision regarding closure of the Lester Library until:
FIRST, the Arts and Sciences Council is able to review an assessment of the short- and long-term costs and benefits of closing the library, as determined by Dean Williams and library administration; and
SECOND, a reasonable opportunity has been provided for affected faculty and students to consider this assessment and to discuss with Dean Williams and other library administrators the impact they believe this action will have on their academic and scholarly work.
A straw vote was taken and the majority of the A&S faculty present at the meeting endorsed the resolution requesting more faculty consultation. The resolution could not be formally approved because of a lack of a quorum. Ten percent of faculty, or 79 members, are required to attend in order to vote on a resolution. Chris Braider (FRIT) moved that the resolution be submitted to the full faculty my mail ballot, according to the A&S Faculty Governance Bylaws. The motion carried, and the Chair remarked that a mail ballot should be completed and counted by roughly the middle of February 2003.
Several faculty members expressed concerns about the library’s closure. John Cumalat, Chair of Physics, pointed out that there would be little or no budgetary savings resulting from closing the library.
These discussions were followed by the following standing committee reports:
Gail Ramsberger (SLHS), Chair of the Budget Committee, reported that the committee met twice a month with the Dean, giving input on how the budget cuts could be met. The committee is involved in developing a new algorithm, to be used to allocate operating budgets to the various departments. The plan for the spring is to find out whether or not the algorithm needs further adjustments. The committee also works with the Dean to determine the disposition of the faculty raise pool to various needs including regular merit increases, promotions, special merit (2X) and retention cases.
Irina Sokolik (PAOS), Chair of the Committee on Academic Community and Diversity, reported that the committee has investigated a variety of ongoing diversity programs at the Boulder campus, such as the Office of Diversity and Equity, which provides leadership to diversity efforts. The College of Arts & Sciences offers a Minority Arts and Science Program (MASP), which supports underrepresented students of color. The Leadership Education for Advancement and Promotion (LEAP) program strives to increase the number of women faculty in science and engineering. Irina further reported on the planned activities of the Diversity committee to include a Faculty Diversity Club for informal meetings between faculty representing different ethnic, cultural and religious groups. On a regular basis, the Diversity committee is involved in the ongoing survey of current procedures and practices currently in place on recruitment, promotion, and retention of faculty of color and women faculty.
David Budd (GEOL), Chair of the Grievance Committee, was not able to attend this meeting. The Chair reported that the committee has handled two grievance cases, which were processed according to the newly revised Grievance Committee Rules of Procedure.
Chris Braider (FRIT), Chair of the Personnel Committee, reported that the committee has handled 61 dossiers, including 23 comprehensive reviews, 24 promotion and tenure cases, and 14 promotion-to-full cases.
Terry Kleeman (RLST), Chair of the Planning Committee, reported that the construction of all new buildings, such as the ATLAS building, the new Law school building, and the new Leeds school building, have been stopped. The Facilities Management Department plans on moving a new chiller plant to the hill on the northwest side of the Coors Event Center. The new plant would also include a new co-generation plant. This project would be cash funded. He further reported that the plan of the Athletic Department to install new light poles, as high as 135 feet, on the west side of the Stadium has been approved. The Faculty Computer Program has been stalled; a start up for the new year is planned, when the program will be on a four-year cycle, lengthened from the previous three years. It is hoped that flexibility and choices within the program will be enhanced. The Pay for Printing Plan has been approved and ITS intends to implement it in the spring. Terry further remarked that there is an unmet need for additional smart classrooms.
Dennis McGilvray (ANTH), Chair of the Curriculum Committee, was not able to attend the meeting.
The Chair noted that most of the work of the ASC is being accomplished primarily by the standing committees. He expressed his appreciation for their hard work and for the demonstrated commitment by all members of the Arts and Sciences Council to the ideals of faculty governance.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:30 PM and was followed by a reception.
November 21, 2002
Minutes: Arts & Sciences Council Meeting
Members present: Ernesto Acevedo Munoz (FILM), Tony Barker (PHYS), Chair, Peter Boag (HIST), Luc Bovens (PHIL), Nan Alamilla Boyd (WMST), David Budd (GEOL), Victoria Cass (EALC), Scott Chamberlin (FA), John Cumalat (PHYS), Jeff Dodge (S&G Record), Ken Foote (GEOG), Antonia Gaona (ASSG Exec), John Gibert (CLAS), Todd Gleeson (Dean, A&S), Frank Hsiao (ECON), Bradley Jones (ASSG Exec), Terry Kleeman (RLST), Rolf Norgaard (PWR), Artemi Romanov (GSLL), Diane Sieber (SPAN), Irina Sokolik (PAOS)
Members absent: Robert Boswell (MCDB), Chris Braider (FRIT, CHLM), Cindy Carey (EPOB), Zygmunt Frajzyngier (LING), Lewis Harvey (PSYC), Keith Julien (APPM), Christian Kopff (HONR), Rodger Kram (KAPH), Dennis McGilvray (ANTH), Horst Mewes (PSCI), Angel Nieves (Eth. Studies), Jim Palmer (FARR), Leonard Pinto (SOCY), Gail Ramsberger (SLHS), Elizabeth Robertson (ENG), Ted Stark (THDN)
The Chair called the meeting to order at 3:30 PM.
The draft minutes of the 31 October meeting of the ASC were discussed. A revision was suggested and agreed to, after which a motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes of Oct 31 as revised; the motion carried unanimously.
Dean Todd Gleeson reported that he had submitted a list to the Provost with his recommendations for the required $1.74 million in permanent budget cuts. It is expected that the Provost will respond during the first week in December. As part of the proposed cuts, the Dean has recommended that about 20 faculty searches planned for next year be cancelled, with the lines remaining vacant. The net savings associated with each vacant line is about $58k. The Dean is also recommending a variety of other cuts. For example, operating budgets will be cut, a number of small centers and programs will be terminated, the DACTC program will be substantially cut, and the College will forfeit the funds it receives in connection with post-tenure reviews.
Irina Sokolik (PAOS) asked about the availability of retention funds for the current year. The Dean responded that the salary part of retention packages comes from the merit pool, which will at best be small this year.
In response to David Budd’s (GEOL) question regarding how many faculty positions are presently vacant, the Dean replied that there are roughly 40 such positions, which is normal. Typically, a line remains vacant for one or two years following a departure, although some lines remain vacant for as long as five years.
The Dean concluded his discussion by commenting that at a recent meeting with the President, administrators thought that there would not be any further budget cuts for this fiscal year.
Irina Sokolik, Chair of the Diversity Committee, reported that she has investigated some ongoing diversity programs and activities on the CU Boulder campus. She has communicated with the Office of Diversity and Equity, and AVC Ofelia Miramontes. Among the existing programs are the CU-LEAD (Leadership, Excellence, Achievements and Diversity) Alliance, a set of multidisciplinary academic neighborhoods in which students, faculty, and staff are united to promote diversity and educational excellence, focused on students of color and first generation students. The College of Arts & Sciences offers the Minority Arts and Sciences Program (MASP) which supports underrepresented students of color and first-generation students majoring in science, mathematics, and humanities. The Leadership Education for Advancement and Promotion (LEAP) program strives to increase the number of women faculty in science and engineering, especially in leadership positions.
Irina further reported on the planned activities of the Diversity committee, which include, among faculty, a Faculty Diversity Club for informal meetings between faculty representing different ethnic, cultural, and religious groups. Speakers will be invited. The program MWARSH (Minority and Women’s Access to Research) aims to encourage undergraduate students in underrepresented groups to consider graduate study.
On a regular basis, the Diversity committee is involved in the ongoing survey of current procedures and practices currently in place on recruitment, promotion, and retention of faculty of color and women faculty. Current issues include the possible need to develop a Diversity Harassment policy, which is similar to the existing policy on Sexual Harassment, and a proposal to provide senior instructor sabbaticals. The Chair noted that a motion was passed by the BFA promoting the idea of senior instructors taking sabbaticals, but that no administrative action has been taken on this issue due to a lack of funds.
Terry Kleeman (RLST), Chair of the Planning Committee, reported that the Athletics department plans to install new light poles, approximately 135 feet high, on the west side of Folsom Stadium for the purpose of reducing the glare that might fall on the spectators in the new luxury suites on the expanded east side of the stadium. He further reported that the Facilities Management department plans on moving a new chiller plant to the hill on the northwest side of the Coors Event Center. The new facility would also include a co-generation plant. Like the stadium projects, this project would be cash-funded.
Recalling the visit by IT personnel last month, Terry reported that a new group called the Faculty Advisory Committee for IT, with the acronym ‘FACE-IT’, has now met. One idea being discussed is the creation of a so-called digital institutional repository which would be an online collection of research produced by faculty and students, including artwork, theses, etc.
Due to lack of sufficient time, the scheduled report by the Curriculum Committee was postponed.
John Cumalat, representing the Chair of the Budget Committee Gail Ramsberger, reported on the ongoing discussion of the algorithm for setting departmental operating budgets. The committee is considering whether to modify the algorithm. Prof. Cumalat also pointed out that the algorithm sets targets, but that many departments receive budgets lower than the targeted amount, while a few receive higher budgets.
The Chair reported that the Dean of Libraries, Jim Williams, plans to close the Lester Library of Mathematics and Physics in Duane Physics. Many faculty and students oppose his plan.
John Cumalat, Chair of Physics, then gave a detailed report on the Lester Library and commented that it contains 80 thousand books that are primarily used by graduate students, followed by undergraduate students and faculty. The reason given by Dean Williams for the intended closure that the library is not a ‘full-service library’ and that funds are not available to upgrade the operation, or to provide adequate staffing for the 90 hours per week the library is open. Should the library be closed, the collection will be divided between the Engineering and Earth Sciences libraries.
Dean Williams has communicated with the BFA Libraries Committee and its chair, Mark Dubin, regarding his plans, but there has otherwise been little opportunity for faculty or student input on the proposed closure. All but one member of the Physics faculty are opposed to the plan, as are over 1000 students who have signed a petition to the Chancellor asking that the library not be closed.
The Chair suggested to draft a resolution opposing the process since the decision to close the library was made with little faculty consultation. It was agreed that such a resolution would be drafted with the advice of the Executive Committee, and presented to the Arts and Sciences Faculty at the Fall Semester Meeting in December.
Antonia Gaona and Bradley Jones, Executives of the A&S Student Government, reported on the current state of the Student Government, which is extremely unsettled. The Vice-Chancellor of Student Affairs believes that the UCSU Legislative Council is dysfunctional, and he may ask that UCSU budget authority be withdrawn.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:10 PM.
October 31, 2002
Minutes: Arts & Sciences Council Meeting
Members present: Ernesto Acevedo Munoz (FILM), Tony Barker (PHYS), Chair, Peter Boag (HIST), Luc Bovens (PHIL), Nan Alamilla Boyd (WMST), Chris Braider (FRIT/CLHM), Cindy Carey (EPOB), Scott Chamberlin (FA), Robert Craig (COM), Jeff Dodge, (S&G Record), John Gibert (CLAS), Todd Gleeson (Dean, A&S), Lewis Harvey (PSYC), Frank Hsiao (ECON), Keith Julien (APPM), Terry Kleeman (RLST), Rodger Kram (KAPH), Dennis Maloney (ITS), Angel Nieves (ETHN), Rolf Norgaard (PWR), Jim Palmer (FARR), Gail Ramsberger (SLHS), Beth Robertson (ENG), Bobby Schnabel (ITS)
Members absent: Robert Boswell (MCDB), David Budd (GEOL), Victoria Cass (EALC), Ken Foote (GEOG), Zygmunt Frajzyngier (LING), Christian Kopff (HONR), Dennis McGilvray (ANTH), Horst Mewes (PSCI), Leonard Pinto (SOCY), Artemi Romanov (GSLL), Diane Sieber (SPAN), Irina Sokolik (PAOS), Ted Stark (THDN)
The Chair called the meeting to order at 3:30 PM.
A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes of Sep 19. The motion was approved unanimously.
Terry Kleeman (RLST), Chair of the Planning Committee, gave a brief report on the first meeting of FACE-IT, the new faculty body established to advise the IT Council. A variety of issues like the structure of the faculty Computer Program, IT training and literacy/fluency, and infrastructure were discussed there.
The Chair then introduced Bobby Schnabel, CIO and Associate Vice-Chancellor for Academic & Campus Technology, and Dennis Maloney, Director of Information Technology, who had been invited to give a presentation to the ASC on the IT Strategic Plan and other ongoing IT issues.
Bobby Schnabel noted that the new IT Strategic Plan has recently been completed. In contrast to the 1998 IT Strategic Plan, which focused on IT resources, the 2002 strategic plan emphasizes academic and administrative services. As far as educational technology is concerned, the plan will establish a support model for instructional design and course management and set up campus-wide programs for information technology literacy for students. AVC Schnabel discussed some other aspects of the plan, including the idea of a digital repository for scholarly work produced on campus, and the provision of web-based email for faculty.
It was also mentioned that a per-page fee will be imposed for the use of printers in computer labs. This will be done for environmental as well as financial reasons since it will reduce paper consumption.
When asked about the budget, Bobby responded that the implementation of the plan may be slowed by the current budgetary shortfalls. Multiple funding sources will be considered, not only general fund support, but also support from fees and departmental charges.
The Chair mentioned that the Faculty Computer Purchase Program has been discussed at the previous IT visits and that some faculty were not in favor of centralized buying. Bobby Schnabel responded that the model used for FCP last year was primarily intended to speed delivery of computers, which it did. However, it is recognized that there was a loss of choice in options for customizing computers. Dennis Maloney further commented that IT officials are looking at programs that provide more flexibility when purchasing computers. The possibility of creating a web site where faculty could order their own computers was also mentioned.
The discussion turned next to the DACTC (Distributed Academic Computing Technology Coordinator) program, which provides three IT consultants, one to each of the disciplinary clusters in Arts and Sciences, the natural sciences, the social sciences, and the arts and humanities. Several ASC members commented enthusiastically on the excellent assistance and support received from arts and humanities Coordinator Mark Werner. There was little awareness of the work being done by the other Coordinators, though.
A brief discussion of IT Security and encryption protocols followed. Many campus users are already using secure access, and the rest will be expected to switch over in the near future.
Dean Todd Gleeson gave a report on the options under consideration to make the required $ 1.74 million in permanent budget cuts. He has been asked to make recommendations to the Provost by 10 November. The first option to meet the budget cut would be by keeping vacant tenure track faculty lines open. This could be accomplished by delaying 30 of the approximately 40 faculty searches planned for next year. Considering that a vacant line has a value of approximately $72,000, as well as the costs of covering teaching requirements with honorarium instructors, the net saving associated with each additional vacant line are about $58,000. Therefore it would cost 30 faculty lines to meet the budget cut without reducing expenses in other areas. The Dean noted that no matter how many faculty lines were kept vacant, the College still has to teach the same number of students, or maybe even more next year. Dean Gleeson mentioned that the college is also searching for other ways to reduce spending. For example, permanent furloughs of one day would amount to $300,000, or half a percent less in raises would reduce the budget by $240,000. Other cuts under consideration would affect the Dean’s discretionary funds, and departmental operating budgets. It was also mentioned that some program funding would likely be eliminated.
The meeting was adjourned at approximate 5:15 PM.
October 10, 2002
Minutes: Arts & Sciences Council Meeting
Members present: Tony Barker (PHYS) Chair, Peter Boag (HIST), Robert Craig (COM), Phil DiStefano (Provost), Zygmunt Frajzyngier (LING), John Gibert (CLAS), Lew Harvey (PSYC), Frank Hsiao (ECON), Keith Julien (APPM), Terry Kleeman (RLST), Mary Kraus (GEOL) for David Budd, Uriel Nauenberg (Chair BFA), Rolf Norgaard (PWR), Arlan Norman (Assoc. Dean A&S), Gail Ramsberger (SLHS), Artemi Romanov (GSLL), Diane Sieber (SPAN), Irina Sokolik (PAOS)
Members absent: Ernesto Acevedo-Munoz (FILM), Robert Boswell (MCDB), Luc Bovens (PHIL), Nan Boyd (WMST), Christopher Braider (FRIT), Cindy Carey (EPOB), Victoria Cass (EALC), Ken Foote (GEOG), Paul Gordon (CLHM), Christian Kopff (HONR), Rodger Kram (KAPH), Dennis McGilvray (ANTH), Horst Mewes (PSCI), Angel Nieves (Ethnic Studies), Jim Palmer (FARR), Elizabeth Robertson (ENG), Ted Stark (THDN)
The Chair called the meeting to order at 3:30 PM.
The Chair introduced Prof. Keith Julien, the new ASC representative from the Applied Mathematics department.
After a minor revision to the minutes, a motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes of the minutes of September 19. The motion was approved unanimously.
The Chair commented that the focus of today’s discussion would be primarily on the impending budget cuts. He noted the importance of getting faculty input quickly due to the short timescale on which decisions have to be made.
Gail Ramsberger (SLHS) Chair of the Budget Committee, summarized the current budgetary situation. In addition to temporary cuts already taken for this fiscal year, the College is expected to suffer permanent budget cuts of between 1.5 and 2 million dollars per year. Numerous suggestions have been made for possible cuts. Among these are faculty and staff furloughs (mandatory unpaid vacation time); reductions in faculty raises; a freeze on faculty hiring; limitations on or suspension of sabbatical leaves; replacement of planned tenure-track faculty lines by Instructor lines; cuts in the advising and writing programs; and cuts in athletic scholarships. Gail commented that cuts would be made in those areas that would be the least damaging to the college and still make it possible to continue with the mission of the college.
The Chair mentioned that at recent BFA Budget and Executive Committee meetings discussions have been made about “focused cuts” which could provide an opportunity to make strategic changes and even to improve the overall quality of the campus by reducing or even eliminating weak programs. The Provost has said that across-the-board cuts that damage all programs equally should be avoided if possible.
Arlan Norman (Assoc. Dean of A&S for Natural Sciences) commented that cuts at the college level require time to plan. He noted that more cuts are possible in the future. Looking at the revenue side he recommended working harder to further develop the summer sessions, which bring in substantial income. Much of this year’s temporary cut to the College was absorbed by refunding unanticipated Summer School revenue, for example.
Provost Phil DiStefano reported that the most recent budget cuts are due to the lagging state economy, which has resulted in a reduction of about 15% in state tax revenues. System administration has told the campus to plan for a permanent budget cut of about 11 million dollars, in addition to the 4.5 million dollar temporary cut to be taken this year. Of the 11 million, about 5 million will come from increased tuition revenue resulting from the recent increases in the number of student enrolled on campus (up 1300 from last year, to nearly 28,000 total). However, the Provost noted that increasing student headcounts will require increased instructional resources, and that costs money.
Taking the increased tuition revenue into account, the campus needs to make 6 million dollars in permanent cuts. The Provost added that the College of Arts and Sciences share of this would be 2 million dollars or even slightly more.
Diane Sieber (SPAN) asked the Provost about potential savings on sabbaticals. He replied that those savings are relatively insignificant. He added that replacing retiring faculty with instructors could also provide a small savings.
Irina Sokolik (PAOS) inquired about whether private donations could offset the impact of the cuts. The Provost responded that the Chancellor and the Foundation are working aggressively to increase fundraising activities. But since the economy is weak at the moment the amount of money raised last year was unfortunately below the projected goal.
The Chair asked if unpaid furloughs were under consideration for political reasons. The Provost replied that faculty, because of their employment contracts, cannot be furloughed, in contrast to staff.
When Robert Craig (COM) asked the Provost about the effect that a reduced faculty raise pool would have on the cuts, the Provost responded that each percent salary raise costs about a million dollars for the campus, but that we don’t know what size raises for next year might be (if there are any).
As another option to meet the budget cuts, Artemi Romanov (GSLL) asked about increasing student fees. The Provost commented that these fees are difficult to raise, and such changes must be approved by the Regents. Many departments have course fees but are not spending it, which is already a problem. Fees should not be used as an under-the-table tuition increase.
The Provost concluded the discussion by commenting that the campus is faced with a major challenge to identify these budget cuts over the next two months. It is the goal of the administration at all levels to identify specific expense reductions that will create the least direct disruption of the academic and educational programs.
Finally, Gail Ramsberger reported on the finding of a tuition comparison among 29 AAU public research universities, including CU Boulder. There is a wide variation in tuition, with the highest in-state tuition being that of Michigan, at about $ 7500 per year. CU Boulder is fourth from the bottom of the 29, with a tuition of approximately $ 2600 per year. The average is about $ 4000. Even if Quality for Colorado is approved, and CU raises its tuition by $ 1200 above inflation, we would still rank in the bottom half of this group, assuming the other institutions raise their tuition only with inflation. More likely, other institutions would also implement above-inflation increases, so our ranking would likely change even less.
The Chair commented on the Quality for Colorado Plan by saying that it would continue to be an important issue for the Boulder Campus, especially in the current environment for permanent State of Colorado budget cuts. The members voted on the following resolution:
- Arts and Sciences Council
- Resolution Reaffirming Support for the Quality for Colorado Initiative
- October 9, 2002
WHEREAS, the University of Colorado at Boulder aspires to be ranked among the top ten public research universities in the nation as part of President Hoffman’s Vision 2010 Plan; and
WHEREAS, the current shortfalls in state revenue and the resulting cuts in state funding to the University will require drastic cuts in the University’s operating budget, which will have dire consequences for the College of Arts and Sciences, interfering with our ability to make progress towards our educational and research goals; and
WHEREAS, the Boulder campus in general and the College of Arts and Sciences in particular, are increasingly dependent on tuition revenue; and
WHEREAS, in-state tuition at the University of Colorado at Boulder is far below the typical level for AAU public universities, ranking fourth from the bottom of the 29 institutions in that peer group; and
WHEREAS, it will be impossible to maintain quality and to achieve our goals without substantial additional investment of financial resources; and
WHEREAS, the Arts and Sciences Council, on behalf of the Faculty of the College of Arts and Sciences of the University of Colorado at Boulder, has previously endorsed the Quality for Colorado Plan proposed by Chancellor Byyny and President Hoffman for the Boulder campus;
THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED
THAT the Arts and Sciences Council reaffirms its strong support for the Quality for Colorado Plan, which we believe will enhance the quality of the College of Arts and Sciences by increasing available resources for improving the undergraduate experience and raising faculty salaries to a competitive level, while maintaining accessibility and diversity by increasing the funds available for financial aid; and
THAT the Arts and Sciences Council believes that the need to implement Quality for Colorado is more urgent than ever as a result of the impending cuts in state general fund support for the University; and
THAT the Arts and Sciences Council urges the Colorado Commission on Higher Education, the Colorado Blue Ribbon Panel on Higher Education, the Colorado Legislature, the Joint Budget Committee, and the Governor to support the Quality for Colorado Plan for the Boulder campus and to implement it as soon as possible.
All members were in favor to adopt this resolution.
The meeting adjourned at 5:00 PM.
September 19, 2002
Minutes: Arts & Sciences Council Meeting
Members present: Tony Barker, Chair (PHYS), Peter Boag (HIST), Nan Boyd (WMST), Christopher Braider (FRIT), Robert Craig (COM), Jeff Dodge (S&G Record), Zygmunt Frajzyngier (LING), Antonia Gaona, ASSG Exec, Lew Harvey (PSYC), Frank Hsiao (ECON) for Don Roper, Brad Jones, ASSG Exec, Terry Kleeman (RLST), Christian Kopff (HONR), Rodger Kram (KAPH), Angel Nieves (Ethnic Studies) Rolf Norgaard (PWR), Jim Palmer (FARR), Gail Ramsberger (SLHS), Artemi Romanov (GSLL), Diane Sieber (SPAN), Ted Stark (THDN)
Members absent: Ernesto Acevedo Munoz (FILM), Jerry Bebernes (APPS), Robert Boswell (MCDB), Luc Bovens (PHIL), David Budd (GEOL), Cindy Carey (EPOB), Victoria Cass (EALC), Ken Foote (GEOG), John Gibert (CLAS), Paul Gordon (CLHM), Dennis McGilvray (ANTH), Horst Mewes (PSCI), Elizabeth Robertson (ENG), Irina Sokolik (PAOS)
The Chair called the meeting to order at 3:30 PM.
The Chair then introduced two new members to the ASC: Jim Palmer (FARR) and Angel Nieves (Ethnic Studies).
Also present at this meeting were two Arts & Sciences Student Government executives, Antonia Gaona and Brad Jones.
A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes of the Aug 29th meeting. The motion was approved unanimously.
The Chair opened a discussion on the topic of the Course Forgiveness Policy and commented that students at CU have the opportunity, under a pilot program, to repeat a course under the course forgiveness policy. This allows undergraduate students who receive a grade of D+ or lower to repeat the course. Undergraduates may take up to 10 semester credit hours of course forgiveness. The original grade will still appear on the transcript, but will be removed from both total credit calculations and GPA, after completing the repeated course. This gives student the opportunity to improve their GPA by repeating a course in which they did poorly the first time. Presently, this policy is in effect on a trial basis and the time period is expiring. The Chair remarked that it is advisable to discuss this topic now before it is made into a permanent policy.
Both representatives of the ASSG, Antonia Gaona and Brad Jones, commented that large numbers of students at CU, as well as the UCSU, support this policy. Ronal Stump, VC for Student Affairs, is also in favor of Course Forgiveness. Moreover, peer institutions with similar policies have not encountered significant negative effects. But the ASSG executives also expressed their concerns about the policy. Antonia Gaona mentioned that she does not necessarily see it as a positive policy for CU and questions how it might change the status of CU as the flagship university in the state, and whether it might devalue a UC Boulder degree. Brad Jones added that it is also an economic concern. The policy may benefit wealthier students who can afford the extra time and tuition required to retake a course, while poorer students may not have this opportunity. Antonia Gaona further commented that a student might have other options to improve his grade when there are special attenuating circumstances, for example by submitting a petition for a retroactive drop to the Dean.
The Chair mentioned some of the negative aspects this policy may cause such as a delay in graduation beyond four years, and that students who retake a wait-listed class may take seats away from students taking it for the first time. A student who received an F because of Honor Code violations could also retake a class, unless some special mechanism is put in place to identify such grades.
Jim Palmer (FARR) mentioned that 10 credit hours seem like a large number to allow under Course Forgiveness. Since students may take up to six credit hours on a pass/fail basis already, he questioned the justification for the 10 credit hours.
To find out how members felt about the policy, a vote was taken with the following results:
- Those in favor of policy 2
- Those against the policy 3
- Those that need more information 13
A discussion followed during which members submitted to the Chair a number of questions regarding the experience with Course Forgiveness during the trial period, so that the Chair could assemble the questions and forward them to VC Stump. Most of the questions were of a statistical nature, such as how many course had been taken under the policy, what the effect of the policy was on average GPA’s, how often waitlisted courses were taken under the policy, and the like.
Rolf Norgaard (PWR) reported on behalf of Dennis McGilvray (ANTH), Chair of the Curriculum Committee, on the process used to limit enrollment in certain majors and stated that the committee is presently reviewing the guidelines. He also reported that a proposal to allow two minors was endorsed by the Curriculum Committee. He commented on some concerns about distance learning and residency at Boulder saying that guidelines will need to be established, and that degrees obtained through distance learning should be clearly identified.
The Chair announced that Provost DiStefano may attend the next ASC meeting on Oct 10th for the purpose of discussing strategies for developing budget cuts to respond to the deteriorating state budget situation.
In preparation for this visit, Gail Ramsberger (SLHS), Chair of the Budget Committee, reported on the budget outlook. The campus general fund was reduced last year on a continuing basis from $82.2 million to $80.4 million. The campus has been instructed to set aside and additional $4.5 million in anticipation of continuing declines in state tax revenues. It is possible that this cut will also turn into a permanent reduction. Even larger cuts are possible.
Terry Kleeman (RLST), Chair of the Planning Committee, reported that Dennis Maloney, Director of Information Technology and CIO Bobby Schnabel would attend the ASC meeting on Oct 31. He further commented that ITS is undergoing a strategic planning process. In addition, it has been decided to defer the Faculty Computer Purchase program for a year in order to save about $500,000. The Pay for Printing Plan has been approved and ITS intends to implement it in the spring semester. Students and faculty now have to pay for hard copies. Web based e-mail has been made available for students and faculty.
The Chair remarked that discussions with ITS personnel have been useful in the past and ITS is interested in visiting the ASC on a regular basis. The Chair asked the members to consider issues that might be discussed in the future.
Concerning the Chancellor’s request for nomination on the BCPC, the Chair reported that this committee has been under-represented by A&S faculty and that vacant positions need to be filled. The following members were nominated: Lew Harvey (PSYC) starting in the spring semester, Russ Moore (KAPH) and possibly Car Koval (CHEM). The members voted unanimously to forward all three nominations to the Chancellor, provided that the nominees agreed to serve.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:00 PM.
August 29, 2002
Arts & Sciences Council Meeting
Members present: Tony Barker (Chair, PHYS), Peter Boag (HIST), Luc Bovens (PHIL), Nan Boyd (WMST), Christopher Braider (FRIT), Cindy Carey (EPOB), Robert Craig (COM), Jeff Dodge (S & G Record), Ken Foote (GEOG), Zygmunt Frajzyngier (LING), Todd Gleeson (A&S Dean), Terry Kleeman (RLST), Christian Kopff (HONR), Uriel Nauenberg (Chair BFA, PHYS), Rolf Norgaard (PWR), Gail Ramsberger (SLHS), Artemi Romanov (GSLL), Irina Sokolik (PAOS), Ted Stark (THDN), Stein Sture (BFA, Budget & Plan), Deward Walker (Eth. Stud/BFA)
Members absent: Ernesto Acevedo-Munoz (FILM), Jerry Bebernes (APPM), Ronald Bernier (FA), Robert Boswell (MCDB), David Budd (GEOL), Victoria Cass (EALC), John Gibert (CLAS), Paul Gordon (CLHM), Rodger Kram (KAPH), Dennis McGilvray (ANTH), Horst Mewes (PSCI), Elizabeth Robertson (ENG), Don Roper (ECON), Diane Sieber (SPAN)
The Chair called the meeting to order at 3:30 PM.
A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes of the May 2 meeting. The motion was approved unanimously.
The chair then introduced the new ASC members: Peter Boag (HIST), Nan Boyd (WMST), Cindy Carey (EPOB), Gail Ramsberger (SLHS), and Ted Stark (THDN). Victoria Cass (EALC) was not able to attend this meeting.
Uriel Nauenberg (PHYS, Chair of BFA) reported that certain faculty members are seriously concerned about the 2X rule and that there is some misunderstanding among department chairs regarding how 2X works. Stein Sture (BFA, Chair of Budget & Planning Committee) also mentioned that there is confusion about 2X procedures, particularly in some smaller departments. He suggested setting up training sessions.
Dean Gleeson responded that this issue is an understanding issue and remarked that training sessions for Chairs are already held all year long. The 2X rule is not a systematic problem and the policies are not kept secret. In response to some complaints and concerns, two changes in 2X procedures have been made this summer. First, any Unit Merit award to a department is excluded from 2X calculations. Second, if a 2X special merit raise is used in a retention case, and the person receiving the raise leaves the university, the raise money is returned to the department pool. This change encourages departments to take a chance in retention cases, since they don’t risk returning the 2X money to the College.
Deward Walker, (BFA, Budget), remarked that the increasing retention offers are decreasing special merit awards.
Dean Gleeson replied that during the last two years more money was spent on retention than in previous years. However, he noted that special merit and promotion raises do in fact reward career merits. The dollar amount spent on retention cases is getting bigger, which is a reflection of the fact that salaries at CU are not competitive with our peer institutions.
The Chair commented that this subject has been discussed at considerable length with the ASC. While it is a concern that retention offers are getting higher, it would be at least equally alarming to lose the sought-after faculty who are the subject of retention offers. Stein Sture asked if it would be advisable to set up small groups to discuss this subject.
The Chair noted that although the majority of the BFA Budget and Planning Committee does not approve of the 2X rule, the ASC has repeatedly voted to support it.
The Dean commented that the fundamental problem is that the pie is just not big enough. Moreover, departments are hurt when they do not seek Special Merit awards. By policy, such departments are giving money away to other units. It always pays for a department to participate.
The Chair then made reference to the Committee on Committees, which presently consists of four members. He remarked that the committee, according to the Bylaws, is required to have six members. Consequently, the floor nominated two new members, Nan Boyd (WMST) and Peter Boag (HIST) to the committee. These candidates were elected to the Committee on Committees by acclamation.
Regarding faculty representation on the ASC, the chair informed its members that two departments, Chemistry and Farrand RAP, have not as yet elected a representative. In addition, three departments: APS, Ethnic Studies, and Math, have chosen not participate in the ASC, which is a loss for the cause of shared governance in the College.
The Chair asked the assembled members to consider general issues the ASC should consider in future discussions.
Terry Kleeman (RLST), Chair of Planning Com, mentioned that Information Technology Service is undergoing a strategic planning process. One of their advisory committees has shown a tendency to be represented by the BFA rather than by the ASC. Terry expressed his wish that the ASC be adequately represented and recommended that the Planning Committee of the ASC and the Planning Committee of the BFA jointly constitute this Advisory Council. He further recommended inviting ITS personnel for open discussions.
Rolf Norgaard (PWR), spoke on behalf the Curriculum Committee in the absence of its chair. He reported that the transferable core curriculum is an ongoing CCHE issue, which the Curriculum Committee will continue to monitor.
At approximately 4:25 PM, the meeting was abruptly interrupted when the members were asked to evacuate the UMC due to a fire alarm.